The North Walton Effect
A closer look at how new development, expanding medical services, and local participation are reshaping what it means for businesses to succeed in North Walton.
Connect with Main Street in DeFuniak Springs
Downtown DeFuniak Springs feels different lately. More businesses. More events. More energy. In this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, Kerri Parker sits down with Main Street DeFuniak Springs board member Bailey Rushing and Executive Director Jaden Broadway to explore revitalization, community building, Faith Factor, and the future of downtown.
A Fresh Look and Heartfelt Mission at Best Pals Pet Resort
Under new ownership, Best Pals Pet Resort in DeFuniak Springs has unveiled a stunning remodel, including a warm, welcoming reception area and new healthy treats for every guest. During the renovations, each team member wrote a Bible verse on the interior walls, a quiet reminder of the resort’s mission to nurture both pets and the people who care for them. Discover how this family-owned resort continues to set a new standard in dog care.
Raising Kids in Walton County: How Arts, Nature and Community Shape Childhood
Childhood in Walton County is shaped in quiet but lasting ways through theater rehearsals, library programs, recreation fields and time spent outdoors. From the arts to nature and community involvement, local families are discovering that the experiences children grow up with today often become the foundation for confidence, connection and purpose later in life.
2026 No Ordinary JOE Scholarship Winners Announced Across Bay and Walton Counties
Fourteen students across Bay and Walton counties have been awarded 2026 “No Ordinary JOE” Scholarships from the St. Joe Community Foundation, marking another year of meaningful investment in local youth. With $379,000 awarded since the program began, the Foundation continues to back students who lead with service, resilience and community spirit.
Craftsmanship, Community, and Care
In a region where neighbors still greet one another and homes carry the stories of generations, Zach and Shelby Smith have quietly built a business that feels like an extension of the community itself. From DeFuniak Springs to Freeport, Niceville, and beyond, Easy Peazy Plumbing is more than a service—it’s a promise kept.
